Fox and the Sparrow

prologue

15 Years Ago

The elegant ballroom had been decorated from top to bottom in gold and silver. Every table was lined with a silver runner, with wine glasses and the best plates at every seat.

The infamous glass chandelier hung high in the ceiling, reflecting the images of the dancers below.

When there was any occasion to celebrate, the house was filled with hundreds of guests and a party was in order. Business partners, family friends, and others filled the space of the grand room.

The bubbly voices and warm greetings made the huge room feel very small and close knit.

The house staff had done an especially well done job this evening in preparing for the occasion.

Mr. Bennett was a very savvy businessman, he always has been. The moment he started his own business, respectfully named Bennetts, he wanted to make it a business empire.

Right away he began to network and formed his own business consultant company. He didn't stop there though, Mr. Bennett also opted to adding a financial services branch, so he could take care of the taxes and bookkeeping of any business he helps form.

It was a smart plan on his part. He created the illusion that he was there to help entrepreneurs, but in reality he held the strings.

Mr. Bennett wasn't evil, no, in fact the complete opposite. He did all of this for his family.

When he first tried to his consultant company, it was around the same time he met his now wife, Wanda.

It was love at first site for the two, and within a few years they got married. Wanda always wanted to support her husband and worked side by side with him.

Her working along side him gave Mr. Bennett extra encouragement to work hard. Together the business boomed. This was also partially due to Wanda's father being quite popular in the business world and putting in a good word for them.

The two of them now bask in the greatness of what they have achieved with hard work. It was not an easy task, but they've had nothing but success.

A few times, Mrs. Bennett had noticed some tension and stress coming from her husband. He would briefly talk about prior business partners who would grow tired and angry and want out of the Bennett business.

Some became so agitated and jealous of Mr. Bennett's success that they would send hitman to kill him and his family off, so that they could take over as New York's number 1 investment business. Mr. Bennett never told his family about that, as to not scare them.

Above everything he was a husband and father, and would do anything in his power to protect his family.

His tired, wrinkled face smiled as his guests approached him and thanked him for the party.

He would nod back and give a few words of thanks himself and send them on their way. The way he spoke captivated all of those around him. It's what made him such a good business man.

"It's a great party tonight, the best one I think you've thrown." his wife, Wanda spoke up. Her kind eyes shown brightly as she looked around the room at all who gathered.

Mr. Bennett nodded. "Yes. I'm glad the guests are enjoying it so much. The staff die a great job at handing the set up, especially since it was so last minute. I'll have to personally thank each and every one of them."

"I just love the color scheme as well. The fresh flowers were a nice touch as well, I'm glad I slipped that request in last minute."

"I'm glad we are able to celebrate tonight."